For the most part, Kristen was based in New York. A freelance designer, she worked at Forrester Creations from 1987-1990. Her estrangement from the family was due to poor relations between her mother Stephanie. Stephanie believed Kristen to be frigid and too attached to Eric. Stephanie hired gigolo, Clarke Garrison to romancer Kristen. Eventually the two married in 1988. The romance was rocky after Clarke discovered Margo Lynley, Eric's assistant was pregnant with his baby. Margo brought fashion photographer, Mick Savage into town in a ploy to break up Clarke and Kristen. Eventually Mick and Kristen left town together. Still unattached, Kristen made brief appearances at various Forrester gatherings, including acting as Brooke's matron of honor when she married Ridge in 1994.

Kristen returned to town in 2001. With the intention of keeping Kristen in LA, Eric entrusted Kristen an assignment on behalf of Forrester Creations to recruit Antonio Dominguez onto the design staff. Instantly, a romance blossomed between the two. Stephanie and Kristen made amends clearing years and years of misunderstandings. Sofia, was Tony's ex-lover and at first was a threat to Tony and Kristen's relationship, eventually Sofia and Kristen became friends. The death of Tony's friend, Ellen, prompted him to investigate the circumstances of her passing. Tony found out from Ellen's doctor that she had AIDS. Kristen was unsure as to the direction her relationship with Tony was going after becoming distant. They had shared great moments together, with Eric, Brooke, Ridge, Thorne and Stephanie in the Forrester kitchen cooking a meal together and an intimate evening on the 4th July holiday to watch the fireworks. Kristen was surprised that Taylor and Tony were acquainted. A devastated Kristen learned of Tony's secret that had plagued him for weeks - he was HIV positive. Kristen tested negative to HIV.

A determined Kristen continued to implore and pursue the love of her life and promised to fulfil his deepest longings. Kristen's insistence led to Tony giving in to their passion for one another. Kristen and Tony are completely aware of the ramifications of continuing their relationship before announcing it to Eric and Stephanie. Tony questioned Kristen's determination to want so badly to be together, she replied telling him that he was the love of her life and with that, she proposed. All opposition to the marriage was overcome when Eric finally accepted Tony's request for him to stand up as best man. After Tony and Kristen married, they honeymoon in Africa on Safari. There, they encounter, Zende, an orphan who was accused of stealing a role of film from them. An instant bond is made. Later at Zende's orphanage, Tony and Kristen learned that many of the children there are orphans of AIDS. Tony and Kristen fell in love with Zende and wanted to raise him. After leaving Africa they came back a short while later and adopted Zende and took him back to LA with them.